Celebrating past, present and future

Ayear-long celebration of Newcastle’s past and future has been launched to mark a historic anniversary.

Newcastle-under-Lyme was incorporated as a borough 850 years ago by Royal Charter and now the borough council is celebrating the landmark.

Residents, businesses and visitors will be able to join in events, activities and projects intended to strengthen communities and leave a legacy.

Leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, councillor Simon Tagg, said: “This town, this borough, is steeped in history and it’s important we take time to celebrate and reflect on the spirit and determination of people who made the town thrive and prosper through the centuries.

“This years events will mark that determination and commemorate the borough’s notable sons and daughters of years past, while celebrating the contributions of current residents and encouraging leaders of the future to benefit from the world-class university on our doorstep.”

Among the many events planned this year is the inaugural event recognising residents’ achievements, with a ‘Newcastle Heroes’ awards ceremony at the Mayor’s Ball. Categories for the awards are set to include Community Champion, Young Hero and Lifetime Achievement.

Other highlights of the 850th anniversary legacy programme include planting lime trees and an ‘Aspiration Keele’ programme to encourage studying at the university.

Celebratory events include ceremonial mugs for primary school pupils involved in the programme, film shows, tie-ins with the Lymelight Festival, fireworks display and a medieval re-enactment weekend in June.

Speaking after a launch event for sponsors, cllr Tagg added: “I hope that these celebrations reach many different parts of our community, uniting residents of all ages in a shared appreciation of this Borough’s special nature.

“I’m particularly excited by the work with primary schools. Knowing your local area’s history, where you are from and what makes it stand out is an essential part of taking pride in your roots and I hope this year leaves younger residents with a strong sense of what it is to be from here.”

Organisations partnering and sponsoring the year’s celebration include: Aspire Housing; The Community Foundation; Keele University; Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce and Options Management; Aaron Bell, MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme; Newcastle-underLyme Conservative Association; Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council’s Conservative Group; Newcastle-under-Lyme Business Improvement District; and Sharpe Pritchard.

Recognising inspirational county folk

Aspecial event has taken place to celebrate inspirational Staffordshire folk.

The event at Brampton Museum was part of the current year-long celebrations of the 850 years of Newcastle’s Royal Charter.

A spokesman for Brampton Museum said: “Great start to our 850th anniversary programme at Brampton Museum with a well-attended celebration of inspirational Staffordshire folk, ranging from circus impresario Philip Astley to film-maker Shane Meadows and author Arnold Bennett.”